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June 21, 1975, was the day when the legendary West Indies side won the first-ever men’s World Cup. The West Indies took on Australia in the summit clash of the tournament, and the game was played at the Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.

West Indies came into bat first after losing the toss, and Australia’s bowling attack wreaked havoc on the side as the West Indies’ top-order failed to make much of an impact on the game. Roy Fredericks was dismissed by Dennis Lillee for just seven runs, and Gordon Greenidge only managing to score 13 runs in 61 balls before he fell prey to Jeff Thomson.

Furthermore, Alvin Kallicharran was sent packing for 12 runs as well. It was the knocks of Rohan Kanhai and skipper Clive Lloyd that stabilised the innings for the Windies. Kanhai amassed 55 runs in 105 deliveries, whereas Llyod scored a brilliant ton, amassing 102 runs in 85 balls. Late cameos by Keith Boyce and Bernard Julien helped the West Indies post 291 runs on the board for Australia to chase.

Gary Gilmour was the highest wicket-taker for Australia in the game; the left-arm pacer took five wickets in the 12 overs he bowled. Jeff Thomson took two wickets, whereas Lillee struck once.

Coming into the chase, Australia got off to a good start as opener Alan Turner scored 40 runs in 54 balls. Skipper Ian Chappell was sensational with the bat as well, amassing 62 runs in 93 deliveries. However, after the top order propelled the Aussies to a fabulous start, the middle order of the side failed to make much of an impact. 

Doug Walters did score 35 runs in 51 balls, but it was not enough for Australia to win the World Cup. Eventually, the side did crumble under the relentless pressure from the West Indies’ bowling attack. Keith Boyce was the biggest thorn for Australia, as he took four wickets in 12 overs. Furthermore, Lloyd took one wicket, and the West Indies sealed the win by 17 runs and won the first ever Men’s World Cup.